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Newsletter Archives/FAQ's
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Why is yoga practiced in a warm room? Yoga is traditionally practiced in a warm environment so that the muscles and connective tissue release more easily, enhancing your flexibility and stamina. The heat also helps the body work optimally by ridding itself of toxins and impurities through sweat and elimination. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after class. If you are feeling overheated during class, drink some water, and take a seated or another relaxing pose and focus on your breathing for a few minutes. Q: Is it normal for my wrists to hurt when I do yoga? When you first start practicing yoga, it is fairly common for you to experience wrist discomfort, especially if you haven't been doing any weight
bearing on your hands. Typically when practicing downward facing dog (adho mukha svanasana) and plank/crocodile (chaturanga dandasana) several times
during class, your wrists begin to protest! This is an important cue to listen to your body and adjust accordingly. Q: What does Asana mean?/Why are they important? Asana translates to "posture". In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali defines Asana as a steady, comfortable posture. It sounds so easy, but most of us know that it isn't. As soon as we try and sit still, we become acutely aware of a little cramp here or a little pain there. We are constantly reminded of our hips, legs, arms, spine, etc. It is said that physical and mental toxins create tension and stiffness inside us. And we are reminded that anything that makes us stiff can also break us. Only if we are supple will we never break. What we need is the strength and flexibility of a tree as it moves in the wind. Hatha yoga was created to help us become like a tree, and also to help get rid of toxins by moving the body in all different directions. Our body becomes healthy and tension-free. We can then be steady and comfortable in Asana, which ultimately prepares us for meditation. Q: What Are Chakras? Chakras (translated as wheel in Sanskrit) are energy centers located throughout the body. In yoga, we focus on the seven major chakras that reside along the spinal column and on the crown of the head. While chakras can't be physically seen or touched, they are represented by colorful spinning wheels that can both generate and receive energy. Even though the chakra system is thousands of years old, it is interesting that the major chakras correspond to actual nerve bundles along our spine. Each chakra is a different color and each corresponds to different parts of the body, including: glands, organs, muscles, and bones. Chakras also influence us psychologically and spiritually-each one is responsible for different attitudes and behaviors. Typically if something is bothering us physically or emotionally, we can attribute it to a chakra that is out of balance. While it is probably impossible to keep our chakras in complete balance at all times, one of the ways we can affect them is through practicing yoga. There are a number of yoga poses that help to open and activate weak or dull chakras, as well as calm down chakras that are overactive. Q: I am not flexible, so how can I do yoga? This is a question I hear often from people who have not yet tried yoga. From a physical perspective, yoga will definitely help increase your flexibility over time, AND it will also help increase your overall strength. In addition, yoga helps you learn to find a balance between the two. Yoga teaches you so much about your body and its capabilities, and from most accounts, people are usually surprised when they discover what they can do. The key is to gradually work your way into poses that require greater flexibility or strength. Just as you wouldn't run a marathon without proper training, trying to touch your toes right away if your body is not ready will only hurt and could potentially cause injury. Following the modification and breathing cues offered by your yoga teacher will help you move into poses safely. Proper sequencing of poses is also important, so that your body can adjust to greater demands as you progress. Over time, with consistent practice, you will notice changes in your body. You will get stronger and more flexible. But perhaps the most important thing to remember is to learn to be patient with yourself, and to be open to the possibilities. Q: What style of yoga is "Fitness Yoga"? The flowing characteristic of our signature FitnessYoga class most resembles Vinyasa yoga. The Vinyasa style emphasizes moving through a series of postures or poses, linking each one with the breath. This union of movement and breath is extremely powerful, and can help bring you to another level of consciousness with continued practice. With this style of yoga, expect your strength, flexibility, and stamina to be challenged and definitely be prepared to sweat! Each teacher and each class is unique, so there is plenty of room for creativity and variety, and not a lot of room for boredom. Q: What makes Fitness Yoga Studios Different? Fitness Yoga Studios offers classes that are designed to make yoga and Pilates accessible to everyone, regardless of your level of experience. Because we teach our classes for all levels, modifications are provided when needed, so that the posture works for you. In addition, we use a fitness-based approach in our classes, incorporating a gradual warm-up period, an energizing and flowing work period, and a relaxing cool down in every class. This assures you a positive experience that is both safe and effective. We also give you plenty of room to grow in your yoga and Pilates practice, offering you the opportunity to go beyond where you thought possible. Q: How many times per week should I practice yoga? The answer will vary depending on your fitness level and what other activities you participate in. In general, two to three times per week is ideal. Q: I have back pain. Will I be able to do yoga without creating more pain? As stated in our article, Yoga for Back Pain, yoga is an effective means of preventing or reducing back pain. Make sure you take advantage of using props during your practice. Props (yoga blocks, straps, blankets, even chairs) will help bring the pose to you, when tight or weak muscles cannot bring you fully into the pose. Make sure to ask your instructor how props can help you. Q: I would like to practice yoga at home, but have limited time. What can I do? While we encourage you to practice yoga at home, remember that nothing replaces going to classes with a good yoga teacher! If you are an experienced yoga student, however, a great way to get in a mini-practice in between classes is to do Sun Salutations. Sun Salutations consist of 7 to 9 individual postures, depending on which type you select. It is a good idea to spend a few minutes breathing and gently warming up the body with cat/cow, flowing chair, and/or sunflowers. You can then practice 5-6 high quality Sun Salutations (don't rush through them), and you are ready to start the day. Q: Can yoga help me lose weight? Yoga is a wonderful means to understand your physical body. In yoga, you can learn to love and respect your body, which helps you want to take care of it. A strong desire to take care of your body can lead to natural weight loss. Yoga is also a great way to improve your strength, flexibility, and stamina. The natural strength building can provide you with a more favorable body composition by developing and toning your muscles.
Have a question? Please email info@MyFitnessYoga.com and we will gladly answer it for you. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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